Faster Fights and Quicker Returns
The core of this update is the combat feel. Rare has adjusted weapon wielding animations to be "snappier," cutting down the time it takes to pull out your weapon. More importantly for PvP encounters, the delay when switching between two ranged weapons has been reduced. This should have a direct impact on the combat meta, allowing for more aggressive and reactive playstyles.
Beyond combat, the patch tackles another common frustration: loading times. Getting back into the action after a trip to the Ferry of the Damned or using a mermaid will now be faster. These optimizations also target lower-spec hardware, which should help more pirates have a smoother sailing experience.
How does Immerse Spatial Audio work?
Patch 3.5.3 also introduces Immerse Spatial Audio, a new option for headphone users. This feature aims to create a more realistic soundscape, helping you pinpoint the direction of cannon fire, footsteps, or digging. There are two versions:
- Generic Profile: This is a free option available to all players that provides a baseline spatial audio enhancement.
- Personalised Profile: This is a paid upgrade that uses a scan of your ear to create a custom sound profile, promising even greater audio precision.
It's an interesting addition that could give players with a good ear a competitive edge, especially when defending their ship from boarders.
The Fort of the Damned Gets More Lucrative
For pirates who love high-risk, high-reward gameplay, the Fort of the Damned just got more appealing. Reaper's Chests are now returning to the treasure hoard when you unlock its vault. This re-establishes the Fort as a prime location for acquiring these valuable, highly-contested chests, guaranteeing that activating and completing this world event will draw even more attention from rival crews looking to steal your payday.
As with any major patch, 3.5.3 includes a long list of bug fixes. These address everything from hit registration issues in combat to progression blockers in certain Tall Tales, making the overall experience more stable and less prone to frustrating glitches.